The annual competition brought together more than 600 students from across B.C. to compete in challenges related to fields as diverse as aerospace, automotive, 3D Animation, baking, welding, and robotics.

Valley students captured impressive finishes in five of the categories they competed in.

“It’s amazing to see the skill level of students at this competition and realize that these kids are our future designers, coders, fabricators, and troubleshooters,” said Mark R. Isfeld technology teacher Steve Claassen, who has been involved with Skills Canada for 18 years.

Last year, Highland Secondary graduate Judd Foster represented Canada at the WorldSkills competition in Abu Dhabi after winning gold in the electronics category at the Skills Canada competition the year before.

“Our Valley is fortunate to have some very skilled students and most years at least one reaches the nationals and comes back with a medal,” said Claasen.

Skills Canada BC provides opportunities for thousands of students to compete, watch competitors in action, participate in Try-a-Trade activities, visit the Pathways to Careers Showcase, or participate in the Women in Trades and Technology Conference.

Skills BC’s goal is to showcase skilled trades and technologies as potential careers to the thousands of young people who attend the competitions annually.